When a Senior’s Kindness Becomes a Burden

In this video by Aikido Samsungdang, we address a topic that may feel a bit sensitive.

It is about situations that often arise in the relationship between seniors and juniors during training—cases where good intentions unexpectedly lead to less-than-good outcomes.

For beginners, nothing is more important than repeatedly practicing the techniques they have just learned from the instructor.It is much like learning to write for the first time, carefully forming each stroke, one by one.Instructors teach techniques with this level of simplicity in mind.

However, during class, seniors often step in with additional details or advice, usually with the best intentions.We should pause and ask ourselves whether such interventions might interrupt the flow of practice and deprive beginners of the chance to sweat, repeat, and fully immerse themselves in training.

To be honest, I myself have made this mistake many times.Kindness that the other person did not ask for can easily turn into unnecessary interference.

In this video, we reflect—based on real training experience—on whether what beginners truly need from seniors during Aikido practice is instruction or simply being received as a training partner, and how synchronization and balance naturally emerge through silent repetition.

As seniors, and as uke, if we can hold back just a little during class, a junior’s practice can become much deeper.

We hope this becomes a moment to reflect together on attitude during training, the density of practice, and the true meaning behind the words, “Let’s practice together.”